The Los Angeles Lakers started the season on the wrong foot after losing to the Golden State Warriors in the opener. The Lakers are entering a crucial stretch, as both Luka Dončić and LeBron James are under contract for at least another year. Dončić has made it clear that he wants to win now.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Dončić has backed up that mindset, delivering dominant performances to start the season. He has scored over 40 points in each game so far, proving he’s ready to lead the Lakers immediately.
“Luka is the 1st player in Lakers history to start a season with two consecutive 40-point games and only the 4th player in league history to do so (Anthony Davis, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are the others),” Lakers insider Dave McMenamin posted.
While Dončić continues to dominate the scoreboard, he’s also impacting the game in every possible way. Despite his impressive start, he’s already facing criticism from social media personality Skip Bayless.
“Where was this Luka in the 4th quarters of Games 3, 4 and 5 vs Minnesota in the first round of last year’s playoffs??? Now you see him, then you didn’t,” Bayless said.
This comment from Bayless is flat-out petty. Dončić has made significant lifestyle changes since last season, yet Bayless still finds a way to bring up past playoff struggles.
Dončić is playing at an elite level, and there’s no sign of him slowing down anytime soon. This could finally be Dončić’s MVP season.